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Alternative Voting Methods
Since 2001, when general-election turnout plummeted to an historic low, attention has focused on to make voting easier and more attractive to the public.
In all the years that people have been voting, the fundamentals have hardly changed. However things are changing, and driven by dangerously low turnout governments at home and abroad are experimenting with new methods and new technologies.
A number of schemes have been suggested as ways of encouraging engagement. This section looks at the main methods, from the tried and tested to the merely considered.
Postal voting
A proven and popular way to raise turnout, but with postal voting being open to fraud, should its use be so widespread?
E-voting
Voting via the Internet is easy, but is it secure?
Compulsory voting
When people won't do as they're told and vote voluntarily, it's time to get tough
Incentive voting
Bribing people to go to the polls – novel, but moral?
Open Primaries
The chance for members of the public to select parties candidates.
Open Primaries
The chance for members of the public to select parties candidates.
Other
Weekend voting, more polling stations, a national holiday and 'none of the above'
Downloads
turning out or turning off?
An analysis of political disengagement
Elections in the 21st Century
from paper ballot to e-voting
Latest News
Getting Reduce and Equalise Right
Published: Sunday, September 5th 2010
The Electoral Reform Society has called on government and opposition to ensure that controversial legislation to create equal-sized constituencies delivers on its promises. The Society has urged both government and opposition to “act responsibly” and engage with the legislation to ensure that both boundary changes and the proposals for a referendum on the Alternative Vote survive. More...
Electoral Reform Society announces new Chief Executive
Published: Thursday, August 26th 2010
Katie Ghose has been appointed the new Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society. Katie Ghose has been director of the British Institute of Human Rights for 5 years. An experienced campaigner and barrister, she has previously held positions at Age Concern England (now Age UK) and Citizens Advice. More...
AV in practice: ERS response to Australian Election
Published: Sunday, August 22nd 2010
The Electoral Reform Society has released its initial findings on the latest Australian Federal Election. Australia’s House of Representatives is elected by the Alternative Vote (AV) system, which will be offered to the British public in a referendum next May. More...